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President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic.

According to AzerNEWS, the letter reads:

“Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my most sincere congratulations and best wishes to you and the people of the Czech Republic on the occasion of your country’s National Day.

We are pleased with the dynamic development of Azerbaijan-Czech relations, which are rooted in rich traditions. Active political dialogue provides a solid foundation for expanding our cooperation in the economic, energy, transport, defense industry, humanitarian and other fields.

I believe that, by making the most of existing opportunities through our joint efforts, we will further deepen our bilateral relations and strengthen effective cooperation, which holds immense potential.

On this significant day, I wish you good health and happiness, and the friendly people of the Czech Republic lasting peace and prosperity.”

On October 28, the presentation of the 3rd edition of the ‘Book of Peace’ titled ‘Weaving the Carpet of Harmony: Peace and Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan through the Eyes of the Youth,’ prepared by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), was held as part of 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue.

Addressing the event, Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized that Azerbaijan, with its rich culture, longstanding traditions of peaceful coexistence, and unwavering commitment to intercultural dialogue, serves as an inspiring example for the entire world. He described this publication both as an expression of respect for Azerbaijan’s culture of dialogue and a call to action. The ‘Book of Peace’ carries a vital message for today’s fragmented world. Through the observations and impressions of the authors, Azerbaijan’s multiculturalism traditions revive on the pages of this book.

The ICESCO Director-General underlined that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation makes invaluable contributions to peacebuilding in Azerbaijan and worldwide. Through its humanitarian initiatives and support for intercultural dialogue, the Foundation builds bridges between communities.

Speaking at the event, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, underscored that at a time when conflicts, division, and intolerance continue to divide the world, peace and mutual understanding are more important than ever before. ICESCO has always been a meeting point of diverse cultures, religions, and civilizations. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been promoting for almost over 20 years noble values through projects in culture, education, environmental protection, and humanitarian spheres. Over the years, the Foundation had restored numerous historical and cultural monuments, built hundreds of schools and kindergartens, contributed to the preservation of national parks and wildlife, and implemented various other projects both in Azerbaijan and globally.

Leyla Aliyeva mentioned that the ‘Book of Peace’ conveys a meaningful message – to live in peace, to be respected, understood, and to be surrounded by care.

In his remarks, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), and UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, said that in the recent history of diplomacy and international relations, there have been only two pieces of good news for him: “The first was the end of the apartheid in South Africa. The second is the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which was initiated and mentioned yesterday by President Ilham Aliyev.” The Director-General noted that the 21st century must be the last century of wars and conflicts, and that the mankind must put an end to wars.

Following the speeches, a video highlighting the concept of the ‘Book of Peace’ was screened.

ICESCO Youth Peace Ambassadors from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Morocco also delivered remarks at the event.

The event was concluded with a musical program featuring 10-year-old mugham singer Rasul Baghirov. Additionally, ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik was presented with the painting “Welcome to Garabagh” by artist Mir Azar Abdullayev.

The 3rd edition of the ‘Book of Peace’ highlights Azerbaijan’s role in promoting peace and strengthening interfaith and intercultural solidarity, as well as the international significance of the country’s multiculturalism model.

The book features articles written by 29 young leaders from various countries across the Islamic world. Each of these young people has visited Azerbaijan and shared their personal impressions and experiences regarding the country’s model of peace, multiculturalism, and peaceful coexistence.

‘Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to developing cooperation, strengthening solidarity and promoting mutual support within the framework of the OIC, and consistently works towards achieving these goals,’ President Ilham Aliyev said in his address to the participants of the Third Ministerial Meeting of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities of the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, held in Baku.

‘Corruption is a crime that undermines public trust in state institutions and damages social justice, fair competition and economic development. In some cases, the transnational nature of such crimes necessitates measures at both national and international levels. In this regard, the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Convention of the Member States of the OIC on Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation is a strategic document that establishes a common legal framework in this field. Azerbaijan’s accession to this Convention is of great importance for strengthening international cooperation,’ the head of state emphasized.

The participation of an Azerbaijani delegation in the 7th Innovation Week, held in Mombasa, Kenya, highlights the importance attached to expanding cooperation between the two countries in youth, education and sustainable development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, attended by the ambassadors of Germany, France and the Netherlands to Kenya, who support education and youth development projects in the country, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Kenya Sultan Hajiyev spoke about the country’s major achievements since restoring its independence, despite the serious challenges it has faced, and its contributions to strengthening peace and stability in the region.

He praised the progress made through educational and cultural initiatives in the growing relations between Kenya and Azerbaijan. The ambassador also highlighted events and meetings held a day earlier at the Fort Jesus World Heritage Site in Mombasa, including the opening of the renovated Swahili Cultural Library, supported by the Azerbaijan International Development Assistance Agency (AIDA), and the presentation of the first Swahili-language edition of the IRS-Urithi magazine.

Hajiyev noted that under the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program, Kenyan students, including those from Mombasa, have the opportunity to pursue higher education in Azerbaijan on full scholarships each year. He also said that a Kenyan teacher had begun teaching Swahili at Azerbaijan University of Languages this month.

The ambassador thanked Mahmoud Noora, founder of the Swahilipot Hub Foundation and organizer of Innovation Week, for the productive partnership and congratulated the foundation on its 10th anniversary.

Musa Marjanli, editor-in-chief of the IRS international magazine and director of the Cultural Heritage Research Center at Baku State University, also attended the event. His participation further highlighted the importance of cultural and educational ties in Azerbaijan’s cooperation with Kenya.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mombasa County Governor Abdulsamad Sharif Nassir, Principal Secretary in Kenya’s State Department for Science, Research and Innovation Professor Shaukat Abdulrazak, Kenyan Deputy President’s adviser on youth affairs Gerald Mithamo, Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule, Zanzibar City Council Deputy Lord Mayor Heytam Kamis, as well as other senior officials, partners and business representatives.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants of the Third Ministerial Meeting of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities of the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

AzerNEWS presents the address:

“Dear meeting participants,

I extend my greetings to you on the occasion of the Third Ministerial Meeting of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities of the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, being held in Baku.

Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to developing cooperation, strengthening solidarity and promoting mutual support within the framework of the OIC, and consistently works towards achieving these goals.

Corruption is a crime that undermines public trust in state institutions and damages social justice, fair competition and economic development. In some cases, the transnational nature of such crimes necessitates measures at both national and international levels. In this regard, the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Convention of the Member States of the OIC on Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation is a strategic document that establishes a common legal framework in this field. Azerbaijan’s accession to this Convention is of great importance for strengthening international cooperation.

Azerbaijan is consistently implementing measures to combat corruption. Modernizing legislation, increasing transparency and accountability in public administration, ensuring the digitalization and accessibility of public services, and strengthening public oversight all play an important role in preventing corruption.

During the nearly 30-year occupation of our territories, the illegal exploitation of our natural resources, including mineral deposits, involving foreign entities caused severe environmental damage to the region. Substantial proceeds derived from these crimes were laundered through international financial channels.

Digital development, particularly the rapid spread of artificial intelligence, expands opportunities to combat corruption while also creating conditions for new forms of corruption and the misuse of digital financial instruments. The effective use of modern technological solutions by relevant law enforcement agencies is particularly important for preventing and efficiently investigating such crimes.

I am confident that the discussions and proposals put forward in Baku will help further strengthen cooperation among OIC member states in combating corruption, build mutual trust and contribute to the sustainable development of our countries.

The rise in global oil prices is a significant economic development that directly affects the global economy, international trade, energy security and the revenues of oil-exporting countries.

One of the main factors driving oil prices higher is the threat posed by conflicts in the Middle East to energy infrastructure and oil transportation. Reports that a major oil refinery in Saudi Arabia was targeted in a missile attack earlier this morning have sparked fresh concerns in the market.

On the London exchange, Brent crude futures rose by 1.4% to $115.47 per barrel, while Light crude futures climbed to $101.33 per barrel. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), restrictions affecting production and export routes in the Middle East, rising tanker transportation costs and security risks are among the key factors pushing oil prices higher. The agency forecasts that prices could remain elevated until uncertainty surrounding the conflict subsides and inventories are replenished.

Another factor contributing to rising oil prices is the decline in global oil inventories. Stockpiles play a crucial role in offsetting unexpected supply disruptions. However, falling inventories make the market more vulnerable to further interruptions in supply.

Global observed oil inventories fell by 10 million barrels in October compared with the previous month. Declining stockpiles and supply problems affecting petroleum products, particularly diesel, are increasing market vulnerability.

The agency forecasts that global oil demand will also weaken in the fourth quarter of this year. Nevertheless, a market deficit could persist because supply losses are expected to outweigh the decline in demand.

This situation highlights an important point: rising oil prices do not necessarily indicate stronger demand. In some cases, prices increase even as consumption weakens. This happens when the volume of oil available on the market falls faster than demand declines.

Azerbaijan’s non-oil industry grew 1.5-fold between 2021 and 2025, Deputy Economy Minister Samad Bashirli said.

Bashirli made the remarks on Wednesday at the 9th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Dialogue in Baku.

He noted that while hosting COP29, Azerbaijan updated its climate commitments and nationally determined contributions (NDCs), setting more ambitious targets.

According to the deputy minister, continued economic growth, the expansion of the non-oil sector and rising exports are increasing the country’s energy demand. The 1.5-fold expansion of non-oil industry between 2021 and 2025 has made it increasingly important to expand energy supplies while reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.

‘Economic growth continues, the non-oil industry is expanding, and exports are increasing. Naturally, this also leads to higher energy demand. Therefore, expanding the use of alternative and renewable energy sources is particularly important,’ Bashirli said.

He emphasized that Azerbaijan has launched several regional energy projects to meet growing demand and accelerate its transition to green energy. Green energy corridors connecting the Caspian Sea region with the Black Sea, Europe and Central Asia are particularly important in this regard.

Bashirli said Azerbaijan continues to attract investment in renewable energy projects, adding that the total capacity covered by agreements signed in this sector has exceeded 8 gigawatts (GW).

He also highlighted various support mechanisms designed to encourage investment in green energy. These include investment promotion incentives for renewable energy projects, as well as tax and customs concessions.

The deputy minister added that the Business Development Fund has begun promoting green lending. These mechanisms are intended to encourage companies to invest in environmentally sustainable projects and support the development of a green economy.

Bashirli stressed that industrial decarbonization involves more than replacing conventional energy sources with renewables. Improving production efficiency, using resources more economically and adopting environmentally friendly technologies are also essential.

He noted that technologies enabling resource reuse and production optimization are being introduced in this area. With support from the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such initiatives are being implemented at several facilities, including Bahar and SOCAR Carbamide.

Bashirli reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to accelerating its green energy transition, reducing industrial emissions and aligning economic development with environmental sustainability principles.

A concert programme featuring residents of Orphanage No. 2 and social service institutions for persons with disabilities was presented as part of the ‘Aria of Heaven’ (C?nn?tin ariyasi) project.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Center, attended the concert.

They had warm conversations with the residents of the orphanage and social service institutions and posed for commemorative photos.

The ‘Aria of Heaven’ project is implemented at the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

On October 28, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, met with Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).

During the meeting, the sides discussed prospects for cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and ICESCO. They recalled that the Foundation received the Hamdan-ICESCO Prize in 2025 in recognition of its projects in education and social support across the Islamic world and other countries. It was also emphasized that the Foundation had consistently attached particular importance to education and social welfare throughout its activities.

In this regard, the sides highlighted the importance of the memorandum providing for the exchange of experience and implementation of joint projects in culture, science, education and the promotion of modern technologies. They also noted the agreement signed in 2025 on projects aimed at empowering women affected by conflict and promoting their social inclusion in three regions of Burkina Faso and Niger.

Following the meeting, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and ICESCO signed a new cooperation agreement providing for the implementation of several major projects.

One of the projects envisages the next presentation of the Natavan Heritage Excellence Award. Established jointly by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and ICESCO, the award aims to promote and share best practices in the protection and management of tangible cultural heritage.

Another area of cooperation under the new agreement is the implementation of a regional project entitled ‘Peace Through Culture and Development in West Africa’. Covering Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, the project will focus on fostering intercultural dialogue, preserving cultural heritage, strengthening institutional and professional capacities, and actively involving young people and women in these efforts.

The agreement also provides for the continuation of the Artificial Intelligence Index (AI Index) in the Islamic world, launched in Baku in 2025. A ministerial-level meeting is planned to discuss progress in this area and develop cooperation on artificial intelligence among countries of the Islamic world

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has offered condolences to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over the tragic train accident that claimed the lives of dozens of people.

The head of state made a post on his X account in this regard.

The post says: ‘Deeply saddened by the tragic train accident in Spain. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the families of the victims, and the people of Spain. I wish a swift recovery to all those injured.’